California Bill Encourages Statewide Growth of Dog Parks

Just in time for summer, here’s some great news to bark about! California Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) wants to see more dog parks in the Golden State—and last week, his bill to make it easier for local governments to create these havens for their four-legged residents passed the Assembly unanimously.

Gatto's bill, A.B. 265, would help cities and counties by limiting dog park-related liabilities; it would also protect local governments from lawsuits by people claiming that they were unaware of the potential dangers of such parks. Since California already has a similar law limiting liability for skate parks, the concept is not unfamiliar to state legislators.

"Dog parks help build safer and stronger communities by providing a public space for neighbors to interact while training and socializing their dogs," said Assemblyman Gatto. "We should not allow liability concerns to be a major barrier to creating these valuable spaces." Added A.B. 265's co-author, Assemblyman Brian Maienschein (R-San Diego): "This bill would have made my life significantly easier when I was on the San Diego City Council and trying to site a dog park."

We think that this bill, which aims to enrich communities and make life more pleasant for dogs and responsible pet parents, is a breath of fresh air! If you think so too, please take a few seconds to thank Assemblyman Gatto for his efforts by tweeting him a nice thank-you message (@mikegatto).